Rain suddenly began falling outside the car windows.
Fat raindrops hammered against the windshield with a sharp patter.
The wipers swung back and forth, scraping dully.
The air inside the car was thick as hardened tar.
Kurapika gripped the steering wheel.
His knuckles had gone deathly white from the force.
His blue eyes were fixed on the dark road ahead.
Fury churned deep within them.
In the passenger seat.
Chrollo was trussed up in chains invisible to the naked eye.
He leaned against the seat in a somewhat awkward position.
But his pale, handsome face showed none of a prisoner's fear.
He was observing.
He studied Kurapika's profile with the sort of gaze one might turn on a laboratory mouse.
"Your breathing is erratic."
Chrollo spoke.
His voice was level, without the slightest fluctuation.
As though he were stating some insignificant fact.
"You're afraid."
Kurapika ignored him.
He only pressed harder on the accelerator.
The engine let out a beastlike roar.
Chrollo paid no mind to his silence.
He shifted in his seat and continued his bloodless assault on Kurapika's mind.
"Let me guess."
"You didn't capture me to kill me."
"If revenge were your goal, your chain would have pierced my heart the moment the blackout hit."
Chrollo looked into the rearview mirror.
His gaze met Kurapika's bloodshot eyes.
"But you didn't."
"You only used the chain meant for capture."
"Because you have a weakness."
"Those two children we captured are your companions, aren't they?"
"Right now, all you can think about is how to trade me for them."
A faint, mocking smile curled Chrollo's lips.
"An avenger who has people he cares about."
"That's your greatest failing."
Kurapika's breathing grew heavy.
Chrollo had mercilessly torn through his facade.
"Shut up."
Kurapika clenched his teeth and forced the words